The MEME programme is an international programme that is given in English. Therefore an excellent command of the English language is a prerequisite for participation in the MEME programme.
In principle, all applicants must include a proof of proficiency in English with their application. Only applicants that meet either of the following requirements are exempt from proving proficiency in English:
- Applicants that are a native English speaker and completed secondary education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia
- Applicants that have completed their bachelor education in any one of the following countries: Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia
Each of the following is considered evidence of sufficient proficiency in English:
- IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 – no less than 6.0 on each section
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) with an overall score of 92 – no less than 21 on each section
- TOEFL CBT (computer-based test) with an overall score of 237 – no less than 21 on each section
- TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) with an overall score of 580 – no less than 55 on each section
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)
A copy of an authentic test certificate, no more than two years old, must be produced (after 2 years most tests are no longer valid!).
The tests can be taken in many locations worldwide. If you will not receive the certificate of your English proficiency test before the application deadline, please clearly indicate this on your application form. Also clearly indicate when you will be able the send the required documents.
For American English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the standard. It comes in three forms: the conventional paper-based version, the computer-based version, and the internet-based version. The TOEFL code of the University of Groningen (coordinating institution of the MEME programme) is 7191. Please do not forget to send a copy of teh test results with your Application package, also when you have send the test results directly to the University of Groningen.
What if your medium of instruction was English …
If the medium of instruction was English during your previous education, we can make an exception – but ONLY for the Application part of the programme. However, even if the medium of instruction was English, we still require official proof of your proficiency in English, e.g. by means of sending us a test score report from the university. Alternatively you can provide an official letter of the university (signed, stamped and printed on university paper) in which is stated that the complete BSc has been taught in English (courses and examinations!). We understand this may seem strange to you, but our experience tells us that English being the medium of instruction during a student’s previous education very often doesn’t guarantee a sufficient command of the English language.
Please note that if you are selected for the programme and the MEME consortium or the Admission Office is not convinced of your English Proficiency, you will still need to do one of the above mentioned test with good result before you can be admitted to the programme or any of the MEME universities.